U.S. patent number 7,966,952 [Application Number 11/923,469] was granted by the patent office on 2011-06-28 for foldable table for aircraft interiors.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Embraer--Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.. Invention is credited to Magnus Aspegren, Armand Fissette.
United States Patent |
7,966,952 |
Fissette , et al. |
June 28, 2011 |
Foldable table for aircraft interiors
Abstract
An exemplary implementation of an aircraft interior table
includes a base unit which includes a storage compartment having
laterally projecting ends. A bi-fold table comprised of a table
panels is horizontally stowed and supported on the upper surface of
the base unit. Thus, in a stowed condition, one of the table panels
is folded so as to be sandwiched between the other of the table
panels and the upper surface of the base unit. The edge of the
other table panel opposite to its hinged edge adjoining both table
panels is pivotally connected to the base unit by means of a
primary hinge. In use, the table panels may be rotated as a unit
about the primary hinge so as to achieve an intermediate fold-out
condition. While in such a position, the table will present itself
half-sized so as to provide the associated aircraft seat occupant
with minimal forward obstruction. From the intermediate fold-out
condition, the other of the table panels may then be pivoted so
that both table panels are positioned horizontally adjacent to one
another. The fully deployed table panels will thus be supported in
a cantilevered manner by the primary hinge attached to the base.
Reversing such a procedure will fold the table panels and place
them in a stowed condition.
Inventors: |
Fissette; Armand (Thousand
Oaks, CA), Aspegren; Magnus (Santa Monica, CA) |
Assignee: |
Embraer--Empresa Brasileira de
Aeronautica S.A. (Sao Jose dos Campos-SP, BR)
|
Family
ID: |
40580118 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/923,469 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2007 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20090107366 A1 |
Apr 30, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/166; 108/115;
108/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D
11/0007 (20130101); B64D 11/00 (20130101); B64D
11/0638 (20141201) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
5/00 (20060101); A47B 3/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;108/33,38,39-41,42,44,47,48,13,17,18,59,162,166-175,65,67,62,90,92,93,99-101,115,69-82 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Jayne; Darnell M
Assistant Examiner: Ayres; Timothy M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A foldable table for aircraft interiors comprising: a base unit
defining an upper supporting surface between front and rear edge
regions thereof; and a bifold table comprised of proximal and
distal table panels each having opposed forward and rearward edges;
a primary hinge which connects the forward edge of the proximal
table panel to the front edge region of the base unit; a secondary
hinge which connects the rearward edge of the proximal table panel
to the rearward edge of the distal table panel, wherein the primary
and secondary hinges allow for the proximal and distal table panels
to be hingedly movable relative to one another and to the base unit
between (i) a stowed condition wherein the proximal and distal
table panels are supported on the upper surface of the base unit in
such a manner that the proximal and distal table panels are stacked
one on top of the other with the distal table panel being
sandwiched between the proximal table panel and the upper surface
of the base unit with the opposed forward and rearward edge regions
of the proximal and distal table panels being stacked over the
front and rear edges of the base unit, respectively, and (ii) a
deployed condition wherein the proximal and distal table panels are
disposed horizontally adjacent one another in a cantilevered manner
with the proximal table panel connected to the front edge region of
the base unit by the primary hinge and the proximal and distal
table panels connected to one another at the respective rearward
edges thereof such that the proximal table panel is horizontally
interposed between the distal table panel and the upper surface of
the base unit.
2. A foldable table as in claim 1, wherein the pair of table panels
are hingedly moveable to an intermediate fold-out condition between
the stowed and deployed conditions such that the proximal table
panel is positioned horizontally adjacent the upper surface of the
base unit and the distal table panel is adjacently stacked above
the proximal table panel.
3. A foldable table as in claim 1, further comprising multiple
secondary hinges providing a hinged connection between the rearward
edges of the proximal and distal table panels.
4. A foldable table as in claim 1, wherein the distal table panel
comprises a recessed region defined in the forward edge thereof
which is sized and configured to accommodate the primary hinge when
the proximal and distal table panels are in the stowed condition
thereof.
5. A foldable table as in claim 1, wherein the base unit comprises
an interior storage compartment which is covered by the bifold
table when in the stowed condition.
6. A foldable table as in claim 1, wherein the base unit comprises
end regions which project laterally of the bifold table when in the
stowed condition.
7. A foldable table as in claim 6, wherein the end regions of the
base unit comprise cup holders.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The subject matter disclosed herein is related to U.S. Design
patent application No. 29/296,622 filed concurrently herewith, the
entire content of which is expressly incorporated hereinto by
reference.
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the field
of aircraft interiors, and specifically foldable (stowable) tables
that may be employed in an aircraft interior environment.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
It is desirable to provide aircraft passengers with a table for use
during flight. However, due to applicable regulations, the table
must be stowed during certain phases of the flight, for example
during take-off and landings, so as to provide unobstructed egress
from the passenger seats during an emergency.
In general aviation aircraft, the interiors may be uniquely
customized to suit a particular customers desires. Aircraft
interior tables are typically integrated vertically into a side
ledge of the aircraft interior. In order to access such
conventional tables, a cover member must typically be opened to
then allow the hidden table to be pulled vertically from the side
ledge so it may be lowered into position once fully exposed. The
required movement to place the table into an operational mode
therefore presents certain space constraints to the aircraft
interior designer.
According to the implementations of the subject matter disclosed
herein, however, aircraft interior tables are provided which
enhance the available space within the aircraft.
An exemplary implementation of an aircraft interior table includes
a base unit which includes a storage compartment having laterally
projecting ends. A bi-fold table comprised of a table panels is
horizontally stowed and supported on the upper surface of the base
unit. Thus, in a stowed condition, one of the table panels is
folded so as to be sandwiched between the other of the table panels
and the upper surface of the base unit. The edge of the other table
panel opposite to its hinged edge adjoining both table panels is
pivotally connected to the base unit by means of a primary
hinge.
In use, the table panels may be rotated as a unit about the primary
hinge so as to achieve an intermediate fold-out condition. While in
such a position, the table will present itself half-sized so as to
provide the associated aircraft seat occupant with minimal forward
obstruction. From the intermediate fold-out condition, the other of
the table panels may then be pivoted so that both table panels are
positioned horizontally adjacent to one another. The fully deployed
table panels will thus be supported in a cantilevered manner by the
primary hinge attached to the base. Reversing such a procedure will
fold the table panels and place them in a stowed condition.
In certain embodiments, a foldable table for aircraft interiors is
provided which comprises a base unit, and a bifold table having a
pair of table panels hinged to one another and to the base unit.
The table panels are thus hingedly movable between (i) a stowed
condition wherein the table panels are supported on an upper
surface of the base unit in such a manner that a distal one of the
table panels is sandwiched between a proximal one of the table
panels and the upper surface of the base unit, and (ii) a deployed
condition wherein the proximal and distal table panels are disposed
horizontally adjacent one another. The pair of table panels may
also be hingedly moveable to an intermediate fold-out condition
between the stowed and deployed conditions such that the proximal
table panel is positioned horizontally adjacent the upper surface
of the base unit and the distal table panel is adjacently stacked
above the proximal table panel.
A primary hinge may provide a hinged connection between the
proximal table panel and the base unit. Secondary hinges may
provide a hinged connection between the proximal and distal table
panels. In some embodiments, the primary hinge of the proximal
table panel is hinged to the base unit at an edge of the proximal
table panel which is opposite to an edge adjoining the proximal and
distal table panels by the secondary hinges. The distal table panel
may comprise a recessed region sized and configured to accommodate
the primary hinge when the proximal and distal table panels are
positioned one on top of the other.
In some implementations, the base unit may define an interior
storage compartment which is covered by the bifold table when in
the stowed condition. Additionally or alternatively, the base unit
may comprise end regions which project laterally of the bifold
table when in the stowed condition, in which case the end regions
may comprise cup holders.
According to certain aspects, methods of providing a table surface
in an aircraft interior are provided with comprise (a) mounting a
foldable table to a side wall of an aircraft interior, the foldable
table comprising a base unit, and a bifold table comprised of a
pair of table panels hinged to one another and to the base unit,
and (b) hingedly moving the bifold table between (i) a stowed
condition wherein the table panels are supported on an upper
surface of the base unit in such a manner that a distal one of the
table panels is sandwiched between a proximal one of the table
panels and the upper surface of the base unit, and (ii) a deployed
condition wherein the proximal and distal table panels are disposed
horizontally adjacent one another. The method may comprise hingedly
moving the bifold table to an intermediate fold-out condition
between the stowed and deployed conditions such that the proximal
table panel is positioned horizontally adjacent the upper surface
of the base unit and the distal table panel is adjacently stacked
above the proximal table panel.
These and other features and advantages will be better and more
completely understood by referring to the following detailed
description of exemplary non-limiting illustrative implementations
in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An exemplary non-limiting illustrative implementation of the herein
disclosed subject matter will be further explained by reference to
the drawings of which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aircraft interior table in
a stowed (folded) condition;
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the aircraft interior table
depicted in FIG. 1 in a stowed condition;
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the aircraft interior table
depicted in FIG. 1 but shown in an intermediate fold-out
condition;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the aircraft interior table in an
intermediate fold-out condition showing the storage access lids
raised to thereby expose the internal storage compartment
therebelow;
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the aircraft interior table
depicted in FIG. 1 but shown in a full fold-out condition; and
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the aircraft interior table
depicted in FIG. 5 in a full told-out condition and also showing
one of the storage access lids raised;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementations herein
relate to foldable aircraft tables. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2,
an exemplary implementation of an aircraft interior table 10
includes a base unit 12 which includes a storage compartment 14
having laterally projecting ends 14-1, 14-2. A bi-fold table 16
comprised of proximal and distal table panels 16-1 and 16-2,
respectively, is horizontally stowed and supported on the upper
surface 12-1 of the base unit 12.
The table panels 16-1 and 16-2 are hinged to one another by
secondary hinges 18 recessed into their respective adjoining edges
(see FIG. 2). Thus, in a stowed condition, the distal table panel
16-2 is folded so as to be sandwiched between the proximal table
panel 16-1 and the upper surface 12-1 of the base unit. The edge of
the proximal table panel 16-1 opposite to its hinged edge adjoining
the distal table panel 16-2 is pivotally connected to the base unit
12 by means of a primary hinge 20. In preferred forms, the primary
hinge 20 is capable of allowing free rotation of the proximal table
panel 16-1 through 180.degree. and contains a bushing to allow for
its smooth articulation. The structural components of the hinge 20
are preferably hidden by a decorative cover member as shown.
In use, the table panels 16-1, 16-2 may be rotated as a unit about
the primary hinge 20 so as to achieve an intermediate fold-out
condition as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. While in such a position, the
table 16 will present itself half-sized so as to provide the
associated aircraft seat occupant with minimal forward obstruction.
While in such a position, the storage compartment lids 22-1, 22-2
are then visible and may be raised to allow the aircraft seat
occupant to access the storage space 24 within the base unit
12.
From the intermediate fold-out condition, the distal table panel
16-2 may then be pivoted relative to the proximal table panel 16-1
about the hinges 18 so that the latter is positioned horizontally
adjacent to and outward of the former. Such a full fold-out
condition of the table panels 16-1, 16-2 is depicted in FIGS. 5 and
6. It will be observed therein that the table 16 comprised of the
proximal and distal table panels 16-1, 16-2, respectively, will be
supported in a cantilevered manner by the primary hinge 20 attached
to the base 12. As such, the primary hinge components must be
designed so as to withstand substantial loads thereon, for example
loads of up to about 140 pounds-force or more. The edge of the
distal table panel 16-2 opposite to its hinged edge adjoining the
proximal table panel 16-1 is provided with a recessed region 16-2a
sized and configured to accommodate the decorative cover of the
primary hinge 20 when the table panels 16-1, 16-2 are folded into a
stacked arrangement with one another. (See FIGS. 3 and 4)
The laterally projecting ends 14-1, 14-2 of the storage compartment
14 are provided with fold-out cup holders 14-3, 14-4. When folded
out, therefore, the cup-holders 14-3, 14-4 will effectively provide
four usable holders for cups. The base 12 may also be provided with
AC electrical outlets for passenger convenience, as well as
switches to operate various passenger control units that may be
employed in the particular aircraft interior configuration.
The base unit 12 of the foldable table 10 as described above may be
attached physically to the aircraft interior sidewall as an
independent unit thereby enhancing the available space within the
aircraft. Moreover, since it is an independent unit, the table 10
may be mounted to the sidewall at virtually any position. The
horizontal bi-fold stowage of the table panels 16-1, 16-2 allows
for a lower mounting height within fuselage section as compared to
traditional vertically stowed tables having a similar table size.
Thus, the table 10 as described herein may be mounted at an optimum
height to allow for passenger dining and/or working (e.g., as a
laptop computer support surface).
While the invention has been described in connection with what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *